Why are migraines common in women?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a migraine is a headache that causes intense pain in one area of the head. People susceptible to migraines are commonly very sensitive to light and sound and sometimes experience nausea. Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

A person of any age can experience migraine headaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, migraine headaches are especially common in women during their reproductive years since changing estrogen levels can lead to a migraine. Stephanie Faubion, a doctor at the Mayo Clinic, suggested that menstrual migraine headaches could be more severe than non-menstrual migraines. They also tend to be less responsive to medications.

Although menstrual migraines are less responsive to medication, hormonal contraceptives can help reduce risk of developing a menstrual migraine since hormone levels remain more balanced.